Any version of Windows Media player 7 in Windows or higher can download and play the WM9 codec. However, some versions of Windows Media in other OSes are much better with Windows Media 8 files. I've been encoding with that for compatibility for quite a while for all the videos I upload to IndianapolisFilm.Net. Most of the mac users can play them just fine, where they had problems with WM9.

I put my showreel up on my website in WMP9 format and I know that some people had problems, namely they could hear the audio but not see the picture. It appears that they had WMP8 or earlier and upgrading to WMP9 sorted it out.

The fact that WMP7 and better can automatically download the codec for WMP9 makes me wonder if the people that had problems were on dial-ups or couldn't connect to the internet for some reason.

Ian,
Don't know about the masses, but I prefer wmv over real and QT. Particularly real is notorious for leaving spy-ware in your machine.
By the way, I believe anyone can disable the automatic download of new codecs in Media player.

Glen,
There's no PAL format in wmv. It's just wmv. You can set it to 25 fps if you want, or more, or less. And you can save your own presets.
TIP: If you render to wmv at a high bitrate you have a good storing format - better than MPEG.

Tor, I absolutely agree - especially regarding Real. Also, the Real player seems to take a lot longer to load up a movie and play. Not much experience of QT so I can't really comment. I am also a WMV preferer.

The only reason I have multiple formats is that my site is promoting me and I know that if ever I can't get to see something first time, I give up and go elsewhere - I want to make sure that anyone wanting to see my showreel can do so without hitch. Otherwise I may be losing work.

BTW <start shameless boast> I've just been hired to narrate a docu-spoof being shot in Russia and I have to go to Moscow in a couple of weeks to record the v/o. They found me from my web site and liked the showreel and voicereels, so I guess it pays to be safe! <end shameless boast>.

I adore WMV 8 or 9. The quality is great and have used it to share between members of the family. I've tried the various rates for modems, and have created files from 256kps up to 3mps. Is there adiffence when viewing on a pc? I don't send these files by broadband, it's only to get the best quality. I've presently got a 3mps, 27minute video - I think its around 530mbs - on a 20 pence cd, it works, it plays and it sounds great . . no need here to create a dvd . . . I suppose what I'm saying is to choose that medium fior the audience will be pleased with. Mostly it's case of accessibility . . most people have a pc with WMP on it . . so there you go . . .